To avoid the use of fossil fuels that cause an increase in global warming due to Emissions of greenhouse gases, there are increasing efforts to research and develop alternative energies. Among these alternatives, the following stand out: renewable energy such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydraulic and biomass. Within biomass, we find biofuels, which They are a type of renewable energy that is obtained from organic matter, and which have the potential to replace fossil fuels. This is generating great interest due to their environmental and economic benefits. Below, we explore in detail what biofuels are, their origins, types and advantages.
Do you want to know more about biofuel energy?
Origins and history of biofuel energy
The biofuels are not a modern invention. Their history goes back more than a century. In the early days of engine technology, great innovators such as Rudolf diesel y Henry Ford They were already thinking of alternatives to petroleum. In 1893, Diesel created an engine that ran on peanut oil, which would eventually lead to the use of diesel fuel due to the convenience and low cost of petroleum. In parallel, Henry Ford manufactured his famous Model T in 1908, which used ethanol as a fuel. Even large companies such as Standard Oil promoted the blending of gasoline with ethanol (25% ethanol at their service stations in the 1920s).
However, after the oil crisis in the 1970s, biofuels regained their relevance. In the US, blending gasoline with ethanol regained popularity thanks to government incentives. In the late 80s, experiments began with biofuels. second generation, based on non-food crops. More recently, the following have emerged: third generation biofuels, driven by alternative raw materials such as algae, which do not compete with food resources.
Biofuel as renewable energy
One of the main reasons for betting on biofuels is that they are a renewable energy source, that is, they are produced from biomass plant or organic waste, instead of fossil fuels that take millions of years to form. Biofuels can be renewed by specific crops and their production is integrated into the natural cycle of carbon dioxide capture and emission. As a result, their use helps mitigate the global warming as well as contributing to a reduced dependence on non-renewable resources such as oil or coal.
Among biofuels, two types stand out that are most widely used worldwide: ethanol and biodiesel.
Ethanol as a biofuel
El ethanol It is one of the best-known biofuels and is produced mainly from corn or sugar cane. In the United States, about half of the gasoline sold is blended with E-10 (a mixture containing 10% ethanol). The E-85, with 85% ethanol, is used in flexible fuel vehicles.
During the growth of corn, the plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, which offsets some of the CO2 emitted during the combustion of ethanol in a vehicle. This improves its carbon profile. emission reduction of greenhouse gases.
In addition, ethanol also increases the octane rating of gasoline, which results in better combustion and, therefore, a reduction in polluting emissions.
biodiesel
El biodiesel is another widely used type of biofuel. It is produced from vegetable oils, both new and used, and animal fats. This fuel is especially popular because it can be used in many diesel engines without requiring major engine modifications.
Biodiesel emits fewer pollutants than traditional diesel and also has the advantage of being biodegradable, which reduces the environmental impact in the event of a spill. In addition, its production often uses waste, such as used cooking oils, which promotes the circular economy.
Advantages of using biofuel energy
- Renewable and local energy: It is produced from plant matter, which allows it to be constantly renewed and avoids the exploitation of finite resources such as oil.
- Reduction of greenhouse gases: During their production and use cycle, biofuels have a lower impact on CO2 emissions than fossil fuels.
- Energy sovereignty: Biofuel producing countries can reduce their economic dependence on oil exporters.
- Economic incentives: Local production of biofuels is encouraged, improving rural economies and creating jobs in agricultural sectors.
Disadvantages of using biofuel energy
While biofuels have numerous advantages, they also have drawbacks:
- High water consumption: The production of biofuel feedstocks, such as corn or sugar cane, requires a large amount of water, which can lead to pollution problems. water scarcity in dry areas.
- Indirect emissions: Although burning biofuels generates fewer emissions than fossil fuels, their production process (including fertilizer use and deforestation) can increase environmental impact.
- Food competence: The production of some first-generation biofuels may generate competition for the use of arable land, affecting food prices.
- Industrial costs: Although production prices are falling, it is still more expensive to produce biofuels on a large scale compared to fossil fuels.
Biofuels represent a promising source of clean, renewable energy. However, for their use to be truly sustainable, it is necessary to continue developing technologies that respect water resources and minimise competition with food production.